Golden Robot Records has officially made “My Guitar,” a posthumous track from the late rock icon John Sykes, available on streaming platforms worldwide. The Australian record label describes the song as a deeply personal piece from the legendary former Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, and Blue Murder guitarist.
According to the imprint, the single was actively developed and recorded during the artist’s brief tenure with the company. The label claims the finished track successfully “captures the unmistakable spirit, tone, and fire that defined Sykes as one of the most influential guitarists of his generation — raw, melodic, and emotionally charged.”
The song’s release arrives under a cloud of controversy. Sykes‘ family recently condemned the label’s intent to release his unfinished material. In a public statement, the estate declared they had not “authorised, entered into, or agreed to any arrangement with Golden Robot Records for his unfinished material to be mastered, released or distributed under their label.”
In response to the severe pushback, Golden Robot Records issued a comprehensive statement defending their actions and asserting their legal rights to the music:
“In light of recent speculation surrounding this release, Golden Robot Records wishes to assure fans that this music is being released with the utmost respect, care, and affection for John. The release of ‘My Guitar’ is fully permitted under John‘s recording agreement, and reflects the shared intention, held while he was with us, to complete and present this material properly. This is not a retrospective reconstruction, but a continuation of work that John himself began with us.”
“Serving as the first glimpse into a four-track EP, ‘My Guitar’ offers fans an intimate connection to John‘s creative voice in its purest form,” the label added. “The EP, worked on during his time with Golden Robot Records, will be respectfully released later in 2026, with a clear focus on preserving the integrity of his original vision and honoring his legacy.”
“Best known for his iconic work with Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Blue Murder, and his celebrated solo career, John Sykes left an indelible mark on hard rock and heavy music worldwide. ‘My Guitar’ stands as both a tribute and a testament — an artist speaking directly through his instrument one final time.”
“For Golden Robot Records, this release is about honoring John, completing what we started together, and sharing his music with the fans who loved him. It is wrapped in respect, gratitude, and deep admiration for an extraordinary musician.”
“For fans old and new, this is more than a song — it is a moment, a memory, and a final salute to a true guitar legend.”
Sykes passed away from cancer in January 2025 at the age of 65. His relationship with Golden Robot Records originally began in January 2019 with promises of a highly anticipated comeback album titled Sy-Ops.
However, the partnership quickly deteriorated by 2020. At the time of his departure, Sykes publicly accused the label of making “little attempt to move things forward despite our best efforts and patience.”
Prior to his death, Sykes had independently released two music videos produced by Parker Thibault—”Dawning Of A Brand New Day” and “Out Alive” in 2021—both of which were originally expected to feature on Sy-Ops alongside “My Guitar” and “Believe In Yourself.”
